The popularity of Chinese deity statues is high and the demand for them is increasing. However, there is stiff competition, and traditional skills passed down for generations are in danger. Say Tian Hng’s business is under threat. The demand for Chinese deity statues is so high that he is facing a challenge to remain profitable.
Xuan Wu
In ancient times, the Chinese deity Xuan Wu was a protector of the heavens and the earth. He was depicted as a warrior wearing dark robes. In his left hand, he holds a “three-mountain seal” (similar to Guan Yu’s hand seal), and in his right hand, he holds the sword of Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals.
The cult of Zhenwu reached its highest point during the Ming dynasty. During this period, the city of Lanzhou built a temple to honor the deity. The temple was erected on the city wall of the Jincheng Pass, a military fortress on the north bank of the Yellow River. Another important temple was the Temple of the Dark Warrior, located on Mount Renshou in Lanzhou’s Anning Fort. It was dedicated to Zhenwu by military servicemen.
Xuan Wu is also revered in Thailand, where he is also known as Chao Pho Suea and Da Lao Ye in Teochew. In Bangkok, he is worshipped in countless shrines. The most popular one is San Chao Pho Suea, which is near the Giant Swing and the Sam Phraeng neighborhood. The shrine is heavily visited by both Chinese and Thais, and is especially popular during Chinese New Year.
Zhen Wu
The Chinese deity golden hoop Zhen Wu, or “Perfect Warrior”, is a warrior deity. In ancient times, the name “Black Warrior” was used for the deity, but was later renamed to “Zhenwu Zhen Wu.” The earliest references to Zhen Wu date back to the Southern Song dynasty, and he was one of the most important deities of the Chinese dynasty. His attributes include long, unbound hair, bare feet, and a sword. He also wears a robe, but his armor is underneath.
Other names for Zhenwu are Xuandi and Xuan Wu, which mean “mysterious or black warrior.” The Chinese emperor is the most renowned deity, and is the patron of martial arts. The god also appears in Buddhist art, including scroll sets and assembly paintings. He is also revered by martial artists, and is associated with the provinces of Hebei and Manchuria.
Legends about Zhenwu’s immortality are plentiful and varied. In one version, he practiced on the Wudang Mountain for 42 years. In another, he was tested by the Jade Emperor. When he was deemed perfect, he pushed a woman off a cliff and jumped after her. Five dragons then lifted him to heaven, where he fought against the demonic animals, using them as his subordinates. In other versions of his story, he is depicted with two generals. These two generals are deities who deal with many local issues.
The deity has many names. There are many written texts that describe this deity. Some of them are attributed to different ancient Chinese emperors. Some are even apocryphal. The Daozang Dao Cang contains five texts related to the deity.
Chinese deities are many and diverse. They include Buddhist, Taoist, and folk pantheons. Many of them are worshipped in China and overseas. The belief in Chinese deities dates back thousands of years. Among other things, they are represented in a slightly-mad bestiary and a 16th century novel about the fall of the Shang dynasty.
Bei Di
Bei Di is one of the most important gods in Chinese tradition. He has many names, and his worship dates back to the Shang dynasty collapse, which happened in 1046 BCE. He has been revered for thousands of years, but was only formally recognized during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song in 1118. He rules over the jade void and the dark heaven and is considered a powerful exorcist.
Yue Xia Lao Ren
Yue Xia Lao Ren is an ancient Chinese deity that is associated with love and marriage. It is said that he appears as an old man under the moon and binds predestined couples together with a silken cord. He is also said to be immortal and resides in the moon and the “obscure regions,” which is equivalent to Hades. Yue Lao’s legends have remained popular throughout the centuries, and are still prayed to today.
Wei Gu was certain that he had caused the mysterious man’s prediction to come true. His wife had borne him three children during the ten years that he had been married. Wei Gu was searching for suitable matches for his children, and he knew of the power of the Old Man Under the Moon. One night, Wei Gu happened to encounter Yue Xia Lao Ren by accident.
Yue Xia Lao Ren is one of the most popular Chinese deities. He is a mysterious, elderly man with a merry disposition. His long white beard and yellow robes are associated with love and romance. He also carries a red silken thread, which binds couples together. In fact, this deity is often referred to as the “Chinese cupid.”
Yue Xia Lao Ren is associated with love and romance, and his power is still sought after today. Though he cannot tear apart fate, his blessing is powerful. He is the Chinese counterpart of Cupid, and his blessing can change your destiny.
